Living in the upper midwest, whenever we get our first measurable snowfall, I grab my camera and take inspirational scenes for future landscape quilt projects. Very few of the scenes end up as part of actual landscape quilts, so far, only four for me. Since I have these wall quilts now hanging in my house, I thought I’d share them with you.

January in My Backyard

I created this landscape 10 years ago. I’ve learned a lot of landscaping tricks from my quilting buddy, Natalie Sewell, since I made this, yet it’s my favorite winter scene. There isn’t any painting on the fabric, just raw edge appliqué. It’s rustic, but fun, and hangs above our fireplace during the winter season.

Blue Birches

I gave this landscape quilt to my friend, Deanna. It’s really straighter than the photo shows! There were only 3–4 fabrics used in the scene. The key was choosing the right hand-dyed fabrics. To learn more of the process I used in this quilt, visit this previous blog posting.

Chance of Flurries

The background fabric and tree fabric are one and the same. I chose an ombre fabric that gradated from cream to black (it’s since a discontinued fabric—sorry). It’s a moody scene much like the skies before the snow starts falling.

Moon Lit Birches

A greeting card was the inspiration for this landscape quilt. At first I wondered how I’d create the shadows, using a mottled gray fabric provided the solution. Snow scenes are some of the easiest landscape quilting projects to create since there is high contrast.

Future Landscape Quilt Project Inspirations

When you look at these photos, notice the blue cast in the top image and the brown cast in the other two photos. Winter is more than black and white!

Step five: Learn how to stipple, we make it simple. Then, frame your artwork in a 5″ x 7″ frame!

I’m always interested in knowing what landscape scene you’d like to design. It could be a virtual quilt or an actual quilt. I do a lot of virtual sewing and quilting. There isn’t always enough time to actually make everything I’d like to, so day dreaming about it is fun too!

14 Comments

VictoriaJanuary 13, 2014

I’m having a hard time selecting background fabrics for my landscape quilts. I have only made 2 so far and really like them both, but I’m not thrilled with the backgrounds I chose. I’ve read your books but I’m still so hesitant to make the decision. Any tips?

Nancy ZiemanJanuary 13, 2014

Victoria, Almost all of my backgrounds for my landscape quilts are hand-dyed fabrics. Perhaps a Google search would connect you to some hand-dyed fabric sources. At my blog page, type in landscape in the search box to see some of my quilts for inspiration.

Carol JansenJanuary 4, 2014

Dear Nancy,
I have been watching you teach every facet of sewing over the years. But the landscape quilts are by far my favorite shows. You have inspired me to take my creativity into a whole different direction. My current creation is a desert
scene with hills and cactus etc. But most of all, I am enjoying quilting more than ever and have found my passion.
Carol

Vicki CabakDecember 28, 2013

I’ve made traditional quilts for over 20 years but last year after reading The Art of Landscape Quilting I just can’t think about doing any other sewing project, I’m hooked! My first landscape quilt was a smaller version of your black eyed susans on the side of the barn. It was so much fun and easier than I thought it would be. The greatest part is that there are no rules, it was such a free and creative way to express myself. To be able to combine my two favorite pastimes, quilting and taking pictures of nature is so gratifying. It is definitely my favorite way to quilt! (PS, I have all the books you and Natalie have written). Thanks.

ronda halvorsenDecember 27, 2013

Nancy and Natalie! I have managed to acquire my own personal library of almost all of your books and cds, I love the peaceful nature scenes, but most recently found your landscape quilts for kids and the exact same panda bear fabric along with some wild and crazy animals from down-under curtains as well…. Looking forward to me and my BFF locking ourselves away for a weekend to create something whimsical and fun! Thanks ladies for sharing your dynamic duo approach, you two really “rock” when it comes to landscape quilting!!!!

Emilia HeffrenDecember 26, 2013

After watching your first 3 Landscape Quilt shows, I did two landscapes from photos on the internet – well, actually one of those was 95% my ideas. I have found this to be my favorite way to quilt. However, Nancy, you are a bonafide artist. You have a really good ‘eye’ for your quilts.

Natalie SewellDecember 26, 2013

How beautiful these winter scenes are! It was great seeing them again! What an inspiring blog.

Nancy ZiemanDecember 26, 2013

Thank you Quilting Buddy!

sandy mizeDecember 26, 2013

Hi Nancy,
I would love to tackle one of these landscape quilts, I have a picture of a tree that sits way far away on a hill, I just love this picture and would love to make it into a quilt.
thanks for keeping us gals inspired!
sandy

Becca JDecember 26, 2013

just lovely! would like to know how to do this without drawing or painting in the trees. I know it makes these scenes more complicated but do-able?

Nancy ZiemanDecember 26, 2013

Becca, drawing on the fabric is easy. Sorry, I don’t know of another way of getting the same affect with another process.

ella liddleDecember 26, 2013

Nancy, these are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us. : )

Peggy VDecember 26, 2013

I made one landscape wall hanging years ago, and then lost interest. Your blog has inspired me to try again, with a snow scene. Today is the perfect day to snap some photos for inspiration. Thanks Nancy!